Anthro Volume 5 Issue 4

Taking back Tibet pg. 16

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ANTHRO

May 2023 Volume 5 Issue 4

Mission Statement The ultimate goal of Anthro Magazine, Paly’s social activism publication, is to create a platform and forum for students to express their opinions and voices. Social activism is bringing issues into the spotlight to spread awareness and create change in society. On this platform, we will promote unity, diversity, and respect. As a publication, we aim to be inclusive but do not tolerate hate speech of the targeting of individuals. We hope to highlight issues that we see in our community, create a safe place to discuss these issues, and to make sure student voices are heard.

From the Editors Dear Readers, We are very excited to present the fourth issue of Anthro Magazine this year, the first-ever fourth issue in the history of Anthro.

This is an effort to continuously raise awareness of Paly community activism beyond our classrooms as issues such as transgender rights and gun control blaze across national news headlines.

This edition features topics such as our editorial stance on trans rights: “Safeguard trans rights,” “Celebrating young minds”

by Lara Dumanli, “Staying in place” by Faizan Kashmiri, and a review on Paly alumni Joanna Ho’s bestselling Silence that Binds Us

by Maya Mukherjee. Together these stories enable the brave and compelling voices of today’s youth activists to be heard.

As the new leadership team of Anthro, we are grateful to have this chance to be informers of social injustice in our community as it is our goal to highlight the ever growing changes in our society.

— Evelyn Zhang and Lucianna Peralta

Staff Editors-in-Chief Evelyn Zhang Lucianna Peralta Managing Editor Saanvi Garg Perspectives Editor Kat Farrell Business Manager Lara Su Dumanli Distribution Manager Minirva Villegas Staff Writers Ash Mehta Maya Mukherjee Madelyn Castro Lauren Wong Arati Periyannan Sandhya Krishnan Faizan Kashmiri Natalie Neumann Vivian Lin Jeremy Dukes Photo/Art Director Vivian Tang Guest Artists Noah Boyarsky Kate Xia Anna Van Valkenburg Sasha Kapadia Adviser Paul Kandell —————————— @anthro.magazine issuu.com/anthro.magazine anthromagazine.org

2 May 2023

IN THIS ISSUE 4

Incubator Spotlight

6

Safeguard trans rights

8

Celebrating young minds

9

Better food, better Earth

10

Unite to fight

11

Who can you TRUST?

12

Our moon and stars

14

Heroes never forgotten

16

Taking back Tibet

19

We regret to inform you...

20

Staying safe in college

22

Peer pressure

24

Crossing the yellow line

25

A book about us

26

Wear your future day: helpful or harmful?

27

Staying in place

28

Good luck.

30

Activism around the world

31

Local activism round-up On the cover:

Letters to the Editors The staff welcomes letters to the editors. We reserve the right to edit all submissions for length, grammar, potential libel, invasion of privacy and obscenity. Send all letters to anthromagazine.paly@gmail.com or to 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301.

Printing & Distribution Anthro is printed by Folger Graphics in Hayward, California.The Palo Alto Parent Teacher Association mails Anthro to every student’s home. All Anthro work is available at anthromagazine. org.

Publication Policy Anthro, a social activism magazine published by students in Palo Alto High School Incubator class, is a designated limited open forum for student expression and discussion of issue of concern to its readership. Anthro is distributed to its readers and the student body at no cost.

Photo illustration by Annelise Balentine

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Incubator Palo Alto High School’s Incubator class is intended to fuel student innovation by allowing students to develop and grow new publications. The class currently houses six publications: Anthro, [proof], Ink, KPLY, and new additions Veritas and Via Verde. Here, Anthro wishes to spotlight what each publication has been working on this semester.

KPLY is Paly’s online podcasting publication, providing weekly campus updates via Quad Talks and features on campus culture. Tune in to listen to dozens of podcasts covering everything from cultural analysis to current events and student opinions.

Executive Producer:

Listen on Soundcloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts:

KPLY Paly Radio Follow us on Instagram:

@KPLYPalyRadio

SAANVI GARG

[proof] is Paly’s fine arts and photography magazine, focused on showcasing student artists and the Bay Area’s artistic community through features, artist profiles, photo eessays, and a Paly student gallery section. This issue, [proof] and Ink are collaborating to produce one combined magazine for a special issue.

Submit your photography and/or art to:

proof.paly@gmail. com

Editors-in-Chief: AMANI FOSSATI-MOIANE and KAT FARRELL 4 May 2023

Spotlight Ink is a literary magazine dedicated to student expression. Our central mission is to create a platform for diverse student voices. We believe reading and sharing writing is vital to the writerly experience.

Submit your photography and/or art to:

literarymagazineink@gmail.com

Editors-in-Chief: FAIZAN KASHMIRI and SARINA GREWAL

Via Verde, Paly’s student travel magazine, made its return after a four year hiatus with its May issue. Via Verde is intended to spotlight students’ travel experiences and photographs, locally, domestically, and internationally. Staff members from Verde Magazine and the Incubator collaborated to revive Via Verde, which is joining Incubator.

Submit your travel photos and stories to:

viaverdemagazine1@gmail.com

Editor-in-Chief: LARA SU DUMANLI

Coming Soon Veritas is a science and technology publication scheduled to publish its first issue of its return by the end of the school year after a four year hiatus. It is focused on new innovations and breakthroughs that affect the Palo Alto community.

Submit your story ideas to:

veritas.paly@gmail. com Editors-in-Chief: DIVIJ MOTWANI and VIVIAN TANG anthromagazine.org 5

EDITORIAL

An attack on one is an attack on all Trans rights violations endanger our collective freedoms

6 May 2023

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s Palo Alto High School stu- their representatives over trans children dents, we’ve been lucky enough in bathrooms, it is obvious that this false to live in a mostly accepting narrative is winning. And now, it’s transenvironment. Anyone in the forming into law.

Bay Area has certainly seen the brightly These laws have been detrimental, colored pride flags, whether it be on back- particularly to trans youth. Over 45% of pack pins or proudly displayed in their trans youth last year considered suicide own bedroom. But many other queer because of the stigma surrounding their youth have not had that freedom. transgender identity, egged on by these A year ago, Anthro Magazine ran a targeted laws, according to the Trevor story called “Suffocated by Statutes,” on Project. Access to gender affirming care is how the rights of queer teens were under being limited so much that, according to attack. New bills and statutes in Florida, AP News, a growing community of trans Louisiana, and Aripeople are manuzona had gone into facturing their own effect, restricting This is a national assault “ d o - i t - yo u r s el f ” everything from on queer youth hormone replace the right of stutherapy at home. dents to use their As the societal preferred pronouns, to a blanket ban on backlash against a person’s right to exist discussions of LGBTQ topics in Florida in their own identity grows, we will see schools. As of writing this, according to this crisis only deepen. The state of trans US News, there have been 650+ proposed rights throughout the United States is anti-LGBTQ laws this year alone, a terri- deeply concerning, and even entrenched ble record set. These are not isolated liberal states like California are dragged state or county battles. This is a national into a new culture war. assault on queer youth.

This isn’t just an issue that involves a Palo Alto must offer itself as a refuge certain group of people. It’s an issue that for those who wish to transition, and as directly affects all of our individual rights a beacon of light in the face of far-right and liberties. Gender identity is a key role reaction. As a state, we already continue in how many people view themselves, and to back trans people, providing support by restricting the ability to express it, we for gender transition. Without actively are directly launching an attack into the pursuing action, however, we make our- heart of our freedoms. An attack on one selves bystanders in a historical roll-back is an attack on all, and in an increasingof human rights. ly stringent age where the line between The recent anti-trans legislation expression and censorship seems to draw that has swept the nation from Florida to too close for comfort, the rights of trans Tennessee to Texas to Montana proves a people are connected to the rights of all dangerous regression in human and civil people. rights that cannot be ignored. Not only As a community, we must affirm are states like Florida restricting the right our support for trans people clearly and of transgender people to access gender openly. For trans people, the right to exaffirming healthcare, but transphobic press their gender is no different than our legislation is fundamentally aiming to right to express other parts of our idenerase the ability for trans people to de- tity. White nationalist and neo-Nazis are cide the gender they wish to be perceived able to march through our streets with as. It is crucial that we as students, activ- police protection as they spew calls for ists, organizers, and legislators, stand in genocide, but trans people aren’t even alsolidarity with trans people. lowed to use a bathroom comfortably.

The fear mongering against trans inThere is more to be done then lobbydividuals — the panic about trans women ing our representatives. Supporting trans being sexual predators and trans people run and organized grassroots movements participating in sports — has proven di- is important. Backing them with people sastrous. When the Boston Children’s power; whether it comes in the form of Hospital is facing bomb threats over a boycott, legislation, or financial aid; is coordinated misinformation campaign what can differentiate us from passive about minors getting gender-affirming supporters. surgery, and when parents nationwide Protect trans youth. Defend their rush to school board meetings to harass right to exist.

Art by NOAH BOYARSKY Cartoons are commenting on the political situation in many states that are passing legislation rolling back trans rights and implementing features that hinder both transgender and individual rights. Check out senior Noah Boyarsky’s Anthro debut as a political cartoonist.

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Text by LARA SU DUMANLI

Art by ANNA VAN VALKENBURG

Recognizing the importance of a third place

rate environment, apart from their school environmental activists and an empoweror work and their home. ing speech about politAccording to Oldenical polarization within burg, these ‘third plac- “Sometimes I think Palo Alto, the crowd es’ are essential in the that if youth were was kept entertained on community to build many different levels. feelings of a sense of in power, we would A speaker at the event, place.

Chiang, a Palo be so much better Olivia Lythcott-Haims says Alto resident and empowering off” student at the Nueva the youth — ­ NANCY COUPAL , Presi- School in San Mateo, by hosting dent of Coupa Cafe said she appreciates events how she was given the in these opportunity to speak third places allows them about her own interest, political polarto express themselves ization. After the events in 2020 with the easier. Provided by Black Lives Matter and abortion rights Coupa’s cafe refresh- movements, Chiang said she was astonments and food, Ly- ished by the polarization in our city. thcott-Haims says that “I heard that Thanksgiving dinners were Young Minds Celebrated 30 minutes shorter due to differences in was integral towards en- political views and that just shocked me, couraging the next genera- so I knew I needed to speak out,” Chiang tion. said.

“These types of Chiang spoke about her efforts to events are so import- diminsh political tension within the comant for the youth to munity, explaining how she wanted to adfeel like they are being vocate for more civil dialogue and youth supported and heard engagement in politics and is currently within the community,” creating conversation guides to help these Lythcott-Haims said. conversations become smoother.

“Even though Palo Alto is amicable on C o u - “We, as a community, need the outside with pa Cafe’s more places where you can their political views, President Nanthere is still a lot of cy Coupal told go, be recognized, be ac- work to be done,” Anthro that kids said. cepted, so people know your Chiang are the future Chiang added and letting them name” that by being givspeak their truth ­— JULIE LYTHCOTT-HAIMS, Palo Alto en the opportunity is critical. Coupal City Councilmember to speak her mind, thinks hosting she feels more comthese types of fortable expressing events should be done more often and her interest. By going to a school far away permits us to show support. from these sorts of events allows for a “Sometimes I think that if youth were deeper connection. in power, we would be so much better off,” “The current atmosphere is just so inCoupal said. viting and I feel like I can speak my mind With a diversity of attendees and without being judged,” Chiang said. “It’s presentations varying from a violinist, such an enjoyable experience and I would two singers, a comedian, a letter to future love to do this again.”

Celebrating young minds

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osted on the outdoor patio of Coupa Cafe, a sponsored local cafe in Downtown Palo Alto, Young Minds Celebrated, an event focused on highlighting youth minds by hosting them in third places. On Friday, April 31, students ranging from fifth grade to high school seniors spoke their mind on various topics.

“The reason why we are all here is so that the youth feel more supported — that’s what we should be focused on,” City Council member Julie Lythcott-Haims said in her opening speech.

Ly th c o t t - Ha i m s says that Palo Alto is slowly losing its “third place” since the bowling alley and Antonio’s Nut House have been lost; she says as the city gets more modernized, it’s losing its real human connection.

“We, as a community, need more places where you can go, be recognized, be accepted, so people know your name,” Lythcott-Haims said.

The third place she is talking about refers to sociologist Ray Oldenburg’s ideology that in life, people need to have a sepa-

8 May 2023

Text by NATALIE NEUMANN and VIVIAN LIN

Art by KATE XIA

Better food, better Earth

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Plant-based market raises awareness on Earth Day

lant-based ramen, non-dairy ice that research,” Yutani said. cream, and vegan mooncakes were Ultimately, in order to achieve good some of the foods on display Apr 22 at health, it’s important to get all of the needthe Love Our Earth Festival at Menlo Ather- ed nutrients, but that doesn’t mean sacrificton High School. ing the taste and flavor that non-plant based The festival, put together by Acter- foods have. ra, a local non-profit environmental orAlong with health benefits, other venganization, aimed to dors, including Eclipse celebrate Earth Day by Foods, also focus on raising awareness of different environmental plant-based food, susaspects of plant-based tainability, and eliminatproducts. ing food waste. The food Diego Gomez, market portion of the the field and event festival included more marketing manager than a dozen vendors. at Eclipse Foods, has Steve Yutani, a nufound Eclipse’s planttritionist at RamenZ, based ice cream to have described his plantmultiple benefits while based ramen as a tool still achieving the taste to help anyone working and texture of dairy ice to maintain a healthier cream. diet.

“It makes it easier “This [plant-based for people to reduce ramen] is an alternative — ALEXANDRA VOLKOV, their dairy consumpfor people with diabetes co-founder of Green Wolf Foods tion if they can find and for people with othsomething that tastes er disorders or deficienjust as good and that’s cies or anything like that that want to not harming the plant and animals and the eat healthier,” Yutani said. environment,” Gomez said.

Due to his own strugWhat sets Eclipse Foods apart from gles with blood sugar and other plant-based ice cream businesses, is other health problems, Yuta- that they use the cassava, a drought resisni sought alternatives to tant plant. carb-filled dishes.

“Using the ingredients that we do, “This [plant-based they’re all drought resistant, unlike some ramen] is the perfect fit,” of the other products that are in Yutani said. “Since then, I the market that are, you know, turned my health around almond [milk], that require a 100%.” lot of water,” Gomez said.

Yutani said he wants Aside from health and enRamenZ’s plant-based vironmental benefits, some venproducts to encourage people to research dors use plant based ingredients and understand what “true health” means. to recreate cultural foods they “A lot of people don’t realize what true ate as a child. health is because what the media and govAnnie Wang, owner and ernment have told us for decades, it’s not founder of Annie’s T Cakes, inexactly true,” Yutani said. corporates the traditional deliYutani said true health differs from cacies she grew up with as a Chiperson to person, but can be found through nese-American into her baked researching and finding what accommoda- goods. tions work for that person.

Growing up in an Asian American “I think people should do their own household, Wang said she found it hard to research, look at what’s good, what’s not find foods that were culturally relevant to fit healthy and make their decisions based on her plant-based diet.

“You cannot go zero waste tomorrow, but at least if you choose a reusable bag here, or you just choose a non-leather purse, or you just educate yourself and people around you, I think it’s gonna be helpful”

“The purpose [of Annie’s T Cakes] is really to make a more sustainable food system while also being able to share the important cultural foods that people had growing up,” Wang said.

Many visitors came to attend the market and festival in support of taking care of the Earth.

Attendee Kate Ague commented on the importance of events like the Love Our Earth Festival.

“I just think it’s important to get more in touch with what’s going on in our true reality, rather than continuing to be distracted by it,” Ague said. “And this is a wonderful opportunity to see what our options are for the health of ourselves, but especially for the planet.”

Alexandra Volkov, the co-founder of Green Wolf Foods said that there are many ways to protect our planet besides adopting a plant-based diet.

“I mean, we all are imperfect, just [take] one small step at a time,” Volkov said.

“You cannot go zero waste tomorrow, but at least if you choose a reusable bag here, or you just choose a non-leather purse, or you just educate yourself and people around you, I think it’s gonna be helpful.”

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Unite to fight Text by LAUREN WONG and ASH MEHTA

Students participate in a walkout for justice. Photo courtesy of the Menlo-Atherton Chronicle.

shouldn’t have called the Acosta, was inspired to take action despite Menlo-Atherton com- ministration] police necessarily, but they should have never having organized a protest before. someone to assist that Black student She said her peers encouraged her to folmunity takes a stand sent with the police encounter.” low through with her ambitions.

Freeman said, as a Black student, she Acosta said that it was impactful, on against police brutality doesn’t feel cared about by her school. a personal level, for her to get involved in

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he Menlo-Atherton High School community has been arranging protests, walkouts, petitions, and other advocacy efforts against police brutality in the past few weeks. This is in reaction to an incident on April 28 where MAHS administrators called the police on a student. Police officers pinned down the student, who reportedly had recently had surgery, inciting outrage in the community, according to the Almanac.

From MAHS’s student-run clubs to Stanford’s Students for Liberation of All People, the community has mobilized in support of de-escalation training initiatives for MA police.

The MAHS Black Student Union has been leading these efforts. MAHS Freshman Eboni Freeman has helped coordinate the BSU’s outreach and organization.

Freeman said that she was upset by the MAHS administration’s response to the incident, claiming it was performative activism.

“MA, they make a brand off of standing in Black solidarity and understanding the Black community and doing what they need for Black students,” Freeman said. “I’m not going to say they [the ad-

10 May 2023

“The fact that MA hasn’t even made a her community. stance on the treatment that that student “It is a big thing, because like not received from the police, it really it con- many freshmen do stuff like this,” Acosta cerns me,” Freeman said. said. “This has probably [given me] a lot One of the of confidence and BSU’s reactions to “I love planning this, I love self esteem to do the incident was orbig things.” ganizing a protest being a part of this” However, orga— EBONI FREEMAN, Menlo-Atherton nizing the walkout on May 1, which Black Student Union member was not without its Freeman helped with. She said it was challenges, as Acosa great experience ta faced backlash watching her peers come together. from parents concerned about safety.

“I met so many people that I feel like “Everybody had different opinions are literally amazing,” Freeman said. “I on it and it was really hard [to organize love planning this, I love being a part of the event],” Acosta said. this.”

During the walkout, participants Freeman said that she wants to con- watched student speakers at Burgess Park. tinue advocating for students’ rights, as The protest has had a unifying imwell as teaching students how to advocate pact on the student body according to for themselves.

Acosta.

“I hope to … help other students “Before the walkouts, many students understand how to help each other and segregated themselves in groups,” she themselves and how to communicate said. “[Since then,] everyone came tothese things effectively to places like ad- gether and are certainly working togethmin or Atherton police,” Freeman said. er and like collaborating a lot.”

May 11, in coordination with the BSU, Both the BSU and the Student ProMAHS’s Student Protest Organization test Organization plan on continuing to helped coordinate a student walkout. discuss with police and administrators to One of the organizers, freshman Nora avoid future incidents of police violence.

Who can you TRUST? Text by EVELYN ZHANG and SANDHYA KRISHNAN

Art by SANDHYA KRISHNAN

New crisis response team — without police — to debut

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ince 2020, cities have been look- ing to Captain James Reifschneider of the ing to dispatch alternative response Investigative Services Division. teams to low-level mental health “The Palo Alto Police Department crises instead of relying on police is fully supportive of the County’s new forces. Santa Clara County plans to debut TRUST program, as it is another reits newest crisis response team, TRUST, as source for community members who may a part of the county’s Behavioral Health be in need of mental health assistance,” Services Department. This is an addition Reifschneider said. “We think it is a fanto programs like PERT and MCRT. tastic program and we are happy to see it TRUST stands for “Trusted Response here in Palo Alto.”

Urgent Support Team” and was created Anne Janks, a program associate at by MomenUrban Stratetum for Mental gies Council, a The Palo Alto Police DepartHealth, a Sannonprofit that ta Clara non- ment is fully supportive of the works with the profit provider Oakland muof behavioral County’s new TRUST program, nicipality to health services. survey commuas it is another resource for According to nity engageM o m e n t u m , community members who may ment, explains TRUST’s main what she has goal is to de-es- be in need of mental health noticed about calate mental assistance” the develophealth crises ment of alter— JAMES REIFSHNEIDER, Captain of the Palo and substance native emerAlto Investigative Services Division abuse situagency response tions.

When teams during contacted, a field team consisting of a cli- the past five years. nician, crisis intervention specialist, and “One of the things that’s happened in peer support specialist will respond ac- a lot of cities is that the teams are clinically cording to the TRUST website. based — that’s certainly where a lot of the According to Arnold Adventures, an city’s teams started,” Janks said. “There online publication, 25% of police shoot- was a lot of discussion about needing to ings involve someome experiencing a do that because of liability.” mental health emergency.

Janks explains that programs which The myriad of reforms in the past are clinically based, including TRUST, refew years have been mostly modeled after quire a clinician to be a member of the the Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the team. She explains the downfalls to the Streets (CAHOOTS) program launched current TRUST model, like its increased in Eugene, Oregon. Two-person teams costs. provide crisis intervention, transporta“By making it [the crisis response tion, and resource referrals, much like the teams] so clinically based, it’s done a couNorth County TRUST program. ple of things in those jurisdictions — one, The Palo Alto Police Department has it limits how much they can grow because been receptive to these reforms, accord- there’s a clinicians and social worker short-

“

age,” Janks said. “And it really adds to the expense because you’re paying for somebody that you probably don’t need on some calls.”

She claims that it’s because cities don’t want to have a “liability issue,” but raises concerns about this requirement.

“What exactly is the liability?” Janks said. “Police are doing it with no licensing and no training.”

The current situation with Palo Alto’s Psychiatric Emergency Response Team exemplifies the downsides of the clinician requirement. PERT’s operations are currently halted and cannot resume services until another clinician has been hired, according to Palo Alto Online.

Moreover, because clinicians are highly trained professionals, clinically-based response teams are often only dispatched to one of three types of mental health crises: suicide, a 5150 (involuntary hospitalization), or assessment for a 5150.

As a result, Janks says the efficacy of mental health response teams is diminished.

“Basically asking the question: Is this a situation that requires a badge and a gun, and if it doesn’t require a badge, and a gun, who should we send?” Janks said.

According to Janks, members of the CAHOOTS program noticed that clinicians often weren’t required to use their trained clinical expertise, and thus were not needed in most situations.

Janks believes that the North County TRUST is a step in the right direction by Palo Alto, but still has large unresolved issues.

“There’s nothing inherently wrong with clinicians — it’s just that once you’ve done that structurally, you’re gonna go down the road, and that road has ruts in it,” Janks said. “And you will be in those ruts and if you’ve tried to get out of the road, you’ll fall back into those ruts.”

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Our moon and stars Students reveal mural to support Cherokee delegate to Congress

12 May 2023

Text by MAYA MUKHERJEE and ARATI PERIYANNAN

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square of red fabric falls away, revealing a 16-square painting of a Native American woman. The depiction is green, orange, yellow, white, a n d black to match the Cherokee Nation flag, with each color representing something significant to the tribe.

Student artists based their mural, which covers a wall on the front of the Palo Alto High School 800s building, on a photo of Cherokee congressional delegate designee Kimberly Teehee from when Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin appointed her as the designee in 2019.

Around her are the Cherokee Seal, in which each point on the seven-pointed star represents a Cherokee clan; the phrase “Why not now?” referencing a quote from Teehee; and a handprint, to represent missing Cherokee women and children.

Right before history teacher Eric Bloom and senior Kellyn Scheel remove the cover from the mural, with Teehee and a crowd of students, parents, and teachers applauding, senior and project manager Megha Madhabhushi announces the project.

“At the end of the day, we are all one people who fall asleep to the same moon and the same set of stars,” she says. “So without further ado: Same Moon, Same Stars.”

This scene took place at an event held on Monday by a team of seniors in the Social Justice Pathway, in which they revealed their mural project and hosted a speech by Teehee and a virtual message from Hoskin. This project, which stemmed from a junior year assignment, had been in the works for months and aims to spread awareness about the fight to get Teehee seated as a non-voting delegate to Congress, as promised by the Treaty of New Echota.

This 1835 treaty moved the Cherokee tribe West, commonly known as the Trail of the Tears. It also promised the Cherokee Nation a non-voting delegate to Congress, a promise which has gone unfulfilled for nearly 200 years. SJP stu-

dents learned about this in their history class, and several were inspired to take action to educate other students about it, according to Madhabhushi.

“We thought that a mural would be a really good way to attract the attention in our community because it’s art and it’s in a very central location at our high school,” Madhabhushi said. “That would draw people in and hopefully promote learning.”

Teehee, who gave a speech and hosted a quwestion-and-answer session at the event, said she believes the mural is a valuable tool in promoting knowledge about the Cherokee Nation.

“The more education we get out there, the more awareness, I think the better,” Teehee said. “We’ll have a chance in the future of having less misrepresentation.”

Having a delegate in Congress is important because it would show the accountability of the federal government and would increase Native American representation in the government, Teehee said.

“Having a seat at the table, and having a voice where policy discussions and laws are being discussed that impact our community, because it’s not just Cherokee Nation, right?” Teehee said. “We’re really a voice for other tribes in this country.”

In order for the SJP students to create the mural, they did extensive research and became educated on the topic, according to Teehee.

“I feel like I’m a teacher at heart and I love educating, but I’ll tell you what: They educated me when I met with them,” she said. “The amount of history that they knew about Cher-

LEFT: History teacher Eric Bloom and senior Kellyn Scheel unveil a mural featuring Cherokee congressional delegate designee Kimberly Teehee. Scheel was the art lead for the project.

“I’m excited to see art being used as an agent in creating social change,” Scheel said.

Photos by ARATI PERIYANNAN okee Nation probably rivals with people who work at Cherokee Nation have on an average day.”

However, some students said this was the first time they had heard about the Cherokee delegate issue.

“I’m definitely, absolutely learning about it for the first time from this,” said senior Ines Legrand, who attended the event. “I don’t think I knew like anything before they [the SJP students] started.”

Madhabhushi attributed the lack of knowledge within the student body and general public to the lack of inclusion of Native American issues in school curricula.

“The biggest thing was noticing how we [SJP students] were learning about this minority group in our history class, but then other history classes weren’t learning about it and were not even learning about anything that was representing a minority group [the Cherokee Nation],” she said.

Legrand agreed that the lack of education about Native Americans in Paly’s curriculum is an issue.

“I feel like first of all, there’s not always indigenous representation within our own history curriculums here,” Legrand said. “[I’m] not going to target PAUSD, because it’s also what happens nationwide, but there’s just not a lot of representation.”

Teehee said she was honored to be part of the mural and is proud of the students who worked on it.

“I think the mural, to me, represents all of the values that I hold dear as a woman, as a Cherokee, as a native, as somebody who’s made a public career in public service advancing the cause of all Native Americans,” she said. “I’ve got enormous respect for the students here.”

LEFT: Cherokee congressional delegate designee Kimberly Teehee

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14May 2023

Heroes never forgotten Text by LUCIANNA PERALTA

Photo by JEREMY DUKES

One student’s project to ensure that veterans’ memories live on

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alking along the Senior formation in government documents.

Quad at Palo Alto High Darla Secor, historian and archivist at School, most students nev- the Palo Alto Historical Association, met er realize what stands as the Vostrejs in the association’s re-opening only remembrance of students long since to the public after COVID, where Secor past. In a hurry to catch up with friends showed him the obituary where he gets or late to class, not stopping to read the most of his information from. lines engraved in metal both rusted and “Harvey’s enthusiasm for not only corroded. But standing still in time, the his project, but for history in general, has Veterans Plaque still shines, begging to been so cool to see,” Secor said. tell the stories of heroes.

Vostrejs recounted the roadblocks Two years ago, now-senior Harvey that prevented him from getting the know Vostrejs strode past the plaque, and it students’ past. caught his eye.

“There was so much information or He noticed that although hidden a big supreme lack of information and I by bushes and dirt, the plaque felt like a couldn’t tell,” Vostrejs said. “You know, it calling. Brushing his fingers on the cold felt like I couldn’t find anything on somesurface, he decided to find out who these one. I felt like a failure.” people were.

Many struggles stemmed from lack of “I was looking at it,” Vostrejs said. “I available information. was like, who are these people?”

“It was like, all I have is a name,” VostVostrejs has since researched alums rejs said. “I have a death date maybe if I’m veteran heroes who died in combat during lucky, but I don’t know who you were and I World War I and World War II. Delving want to share your story.” into their past, he has written a book on As more time went on, word spread of their lives to showcase the students and Vostrejs project. their accomplishments.

“I did outreach and basically reached At first, his interout to anyone who est was reserved for might know anything his prep period or free “No one would and then they connecttime. But as he delved ed me to other people and these people deeper into the cause, as a whole spiderweb of Vostrejs decided to ex- especially, did not communication,” Vostpand his research. rejs said.

“I was putting fac- deserve to be forgotOf 85 veterans, es to names, learning ten” some family members more about them. And — HARVEY VOSTREJS, were able to contact I was like, people should author of Paly Heroes Archive Vostrejs and recount know about this,” Vostthe heroes once-ordirejs said. nary lives.

This two-year-long “I’m hoping more project started simply by looking at Paly will reach out to me as time goes on berecords from across the years. cause it’s a living document and I’m still “I started with the yearbooks to get getting veterans reaching out to me,” like a basis so I could, you know, find a face Vostrejs said. and I can see what clubs they were a part At the Golden Gate cemetery, Vostof that kind of thing,” Vostrejs said. “And rejs encountered multiple families as he then from there, I used the (Paly) Journal- wandered and paid tribute to the fallen. ism Archives.”

“We didn’t speak much but it was this To broaden his search, Vostrejs visit- connection just like you know, a grief even ed the National Archives to find more in- if it wasn’t someone I knew,” Vostrejs said.

On a trip to the Vietnam Memorial in D.C, Vostrejs printed out pamphlets of information on Vietnam veterans. Assuming no one would read them or leave them to get blown away in the wind, he was surprised to see a pair of kids read its contents and scan the wall for a name.

“I heard this little boy, he was looking at Arthur Grimes [and] goes, ‘He wants to be a drummer like me!’” Vostrejs said.

Its these moments that make Vostrejs project that much worth it.

“They’ll probably look back and wonder…what are you talking about, but to me that will be a memory that I will never forget,” Vostrejs said.

Vostrejs is moving to Boston in the fall but will ultimately make trips to D.C to visit the National Archives and cemeteries along the east coast to Virginia where most of the Paly alums are buried.

“Even if I’m leaving Paly, these stories … these people have become so important to me that I want to keep learning,” Vostrejs said.

Eric Bloom, one of Vostrejs’ Social Justice Pathway teachers says this book is the kind of action that inhibits change.

“SJP’s philosophy is to elevate unheard voices and this project did that,” Bloom said. “I believe as he learned more about these vet’s they became real people who made a real sacrifice for their country — these once forgotten men, were remembered.”

Secor says this project has allowed her to see Vostrejs passion for history.

“It was really great to see the progression of Harvey’s project, from his initial idea to the published compilation,” Secor said. “And sometime during that process he saw the magic of the archives, which is what we hope and wish to see, especially in young people.”

Because of a lifelong interest in World War history since he was six, Vostrejs is planning to double major in biology and history.

“No matter what, I’m always going to pursue history,” Vostrejs said.

anthromagazine.org 15

Taking back Tibet Students for a Free Tibet fights for Tibetan independence

Text by EVELYN ZHANG and VIVIAN TANG Photo Courtesy of TSERING DICKEY

16 May 2023

I

’m Tibetan” ple states that there is only one sovereign “Oh, so you’re technically Chi- state under the name of China, therefore nese?” challenging the sovereignty of territories Tsering Dickey, a junior and the like Tibet. vice president of the Bay Area chapter of “As Tibetans, we don’t want our culStudents for a Free Tibet, isn’t a stranger ture to be erased,” said Tenzin Dechen, to such implicitly biased remarks. junior at Albany High School and co-vice “One specific time that I remember president with Dickey of the local SFT [this incident] is during an International chapter.

Fair,” Dickey said. “Even after I explained Dechen says the erasure of Tibetan that I was Tibetan, people would still say sovereignty and identity continues to things like ‘are you sure this day. Over the past you’re not Chinese or Kofew months, the Chinese “As Tibetans, we rean?’” government has been However, Dickey don’t want our making headlines for its does use the ignorance strikingly similar actions and misrepresentation culture to be to the United States’s that she experiences as erased” past mistreatment of Nafuel for her fight for Ti— TENZIN DECHEN, tive Americans. This is betan independence and junior at Albany High School because of the common raising awareness. main objective of cultural and SFT vice president “Tibet was illegally erasure and assimilation, occupied by the Chinese according to the Smithsogovernment and so we nian Institution and Time just really want to fight for human rights Magazine. because that’s something that’s being vi“Most recently, there have been Chiolated constantly,” Dickey said. “There’s nese colonial boarding schools where not a lot of media coverage about it — no Tibetan children [are] getting separatone really knows about the situation in ed from their family and are only being Tibet, so that’s just what we really want taught Mandarin and are not being alto advocate.” lowed to learn about their own identity Sveta Lee, a student at Columbia and of Tibetan,” Dechen said. one of the founders of the SFT group at “The majority of Tibetan children the university, has been studying the Ti- grow up speaking only Chinese, so they’re betan language and international law. forgetting their own language,” Lee said.

She explains how the current People’s “Basically, most of the culture they can Republic of China has never had control access is like China approved version like over Tibet, and therefore its claims of Ti- songs and dance.” bet are invalid.

According to the report by the Hu“China’s claim of Tibet being a part man Rights Watch, the Chinese Comof it is primarily based on the Mongolian munist Party government has also been Dynasty and Manchu taking DNA samples Qing dynasty, based from many Tibeton Tibet’s close ties “I’ve really struggled an people and using with these non-Chi- with it [my identity] them without their nese dynasties,” Lee consent for surveilsaid. “But none of because I’m the only lance and “crime dethese dynasties actu- Tibetan person in the tection” systems. ally had anything to “Thermo Fisher’s do with China or the district” this really big scientifChinese rulers and no — TSERING DICKEY, junior at ic company in the US, evidence exists to inPalo Alto High School and SFT vice and they were aiding dicate that Mongols or president China by sending over Manchus integrated DNA kits,” Dickey the Administration of said. “They [China] China and Tibet or gave Tibet to China.” were using those DNA kits to illegally The fight for Tibetan independence take DNA from Tibetans and other mitraces back to the “One China” principle norities like the Uyghurs to use them that the Chinese Communist Party still without consent.” holds to be true to this day. This princiSFT has held protests in response

anthromagazine.org 17

against Thermo Fisher, most recently on Feb 3 at the Thermo Fisher Scientific office in San Francisco.

“We created ‘Hands-off our DNA’ posters and signs and protested in front of a Thermo Fisher building,” Denchen said. “We also had a bunch of students holding up signs at schools.”

SFT has also been engaging in lobbying efforts with U.S. representatives.

“SFT kind of provided some financial aid for us to be able to go to DC and lobby about the [Promoting a Resolution to the] Tibet-China Conflict Act,” Dechen said. “We just went to lobby to say that the conflict between China and Tibet should still be unresolved.”

Dickey says that her Tibetan identity has been hard to grapple with since there are few students that she can connect culturally with.

“I’ve really struggled with it [my identity] because I’m the only Tibetan person in the district,” Dickey said. “And during International Day, and stuff like that, I would hold booths and stuff, but like no one really knew what was going on.”

Through the SFT organization and her family, she has been able to feel more comfortable with her identity.

“Over the last few years, I’ve been connecting with my grandmother a lot — she escaped Tibet during the illegal occupation,” Dickey said. “She used to not really talk about her story as much but recently she has opened up more so I feel like through her stories I’ve learned about myself.”

Tibet is still illegally occupied by China and negotiations between both parties have stalled Dechen believes that the organization has empowered her to raise awareness about Tibetan independence and connect with others who are fighting alongside her cause.

“The most meaningful part is being able to have a platform to stand on and to say that I’m fighting for my country,” Dechen said. “There’s a lot of other kids that are also doing that and I think it’s a great platform to see that there are other people who care.”

Top: Members of SFT Bay Area visit Washington DC to participate in lobbying efforts.

Middle/Bottom: Protestors on March 10, 2023, the 64th anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day, near San Francisco City Hall

18 May 2023

Text by Lara Su Dumanli and Natalie Neumann

Art by Madelyn Castro

We regret to inform you . . .

Exploring the influence of legacies on college admissions

T

he committee regrets to inform vard and Yale, their class could be 15-20% you that we are unable to offer you legacies.” Raftey said. admission into our undergraduate Raftey explains that accepting legacies program. is part of a business aspect for the school.

A wave of devastation washes over the “It’s important to the schools because recipient as the student struggle to grapple the legacies, especially the legacies who bewith the rejection. The harsh truth is that come wealthy, become donors,” Raftey said. no matter how many schools they apply to, “So the legacies are important to the color how amazing their GPA is, they are by leges from a business standpoint.” no means guaranteed to be accepted to any Along with legacies, there are many university. other growing controversies involving Many factors are college admissions, taken into considerputting pressure on ation when looking the universities to at applicants and fube more transparent ture students. For exwith their process. ample, whether they “They [uniwill be able to keep versities] need more up with the academic diversity and they are rigor or if they will fit under a microscope into the college and right now on how its culture. their admissions deAmong these — ERIC ENG, CEO of AdmissionsSight cisions work,” Raftey factors is one that has said. been a growing topic Within the of controversy—legacies. The intent behind world of college admissions, universities legacies is that students will already know must be diligent and purposeful with how about the school and their resources, and their admissions can impact the future of because a parent or relative went there, they the school. Because of this, Raftey says he might be a better fit. believes that legacies will have less of an inThe problem with this is that it’s giving fluence on college admissions in the future. legacy students an advantage in the admis“I think that in order to be more sion process, which makes it harder for oth- diverse, they’ve got to open up er students to get in. more spots, and so they’re goTop schools like Stanford, Yale, and ing to get away from that Harvard this year have some of the lowest [legacies],” Raftey said. acceptance rates this year of 3.7%, 6.3%, According to Eric and 4.6% respectively. However, when you Eng, CEO of Admislook at the acceptance rate of legacy stu- sionsSight and a Princdents at those same schools, the percent- eton graduate, not only age is up to 16.2% (Stanford), 14% (Yale), is having legacies withand 16% (Harvard) for the class of 2025 in in the family powerful, accordance with AdmissionsSight, a college but having parents who admissions counseling company. are faculty can be more In fact, estimates found around 25- distinctive on your ap35% of admitted students from Ivy League plication. Eng says that schools come from legacy families. To put if your parents are prothat into perspective, 1 out of every 4 stu- fessors or researchers dents at these high academic schools is a associated with prestilegacy. gious universities such John Raftey, founder of Raftrey College as Stanford, you can have Advising in Palo Alto, says that the impact an additional advantage. of legacy admissions varies from universi“The biggest factor bety to university. However, many Ivy league yond legacies is that if your parschools do take legacies into account. ents are actually the faculty of the school, “Some places like MIT, don’t look then your acceptance rate is as high as at legacies at all, and some places like Har- 25%,” Eng said.

“For [these] kids, there is a lot on the line and I do think that the Bay Area is one of the most competitive regions in the entire country”

Eng highlights the fact that specifically Stanford parents and their children are typically more likely to get a boost because of their parent’s connection. He notices that 10-12 students are admitted to Stanford from Gunn every year, and most of them turn out to be legacies.

Eng touches on the shark-like culture in the Bay Area regarding college admissions stress and the unhealthy balance between success and failure within Paly and Gunn students especially.

“For [these] kids, there is a lot on the line and I do think that the Bay Area is one of the most competitive regions in the entire country,” Eng said.

A Paly junior who prefers to be kept anonymous, explains although they are a legacy student themself, it’s clear to them that legacies have a negative impact on the college admissions process.

“It’s limiting opportunities for people who don’t have [a] legacy to be able to attend high performing brand name schools,” the student said. “So I think in that way, it’s really damaging.”

Even as a legacy student, they have a lot to keep in mind when it comes to college applications.

“Both my parents went to the same school,” the student said. “And that I think…I do have to take into account that I have an advantage at the school they went to and make that a consideration in the process. But I’m also trying not to let it guide me too much.”

The college admissions process is one of the most stressful periods for seniors and juniors who want to get a head start. Schools are already evaluating students based on their academic performance, activities participated outside of school, and even their personal interests. But if legacies, donations, and having connections to faculty are factored in, there’s a lot more to the admissions process than what students can control. Does having a parent from the school really make a student a better fit?

anthromagazine.org 19

Staying safe in college Text by MADELYN CASTRO

Art by JEREMY DUKES

Safety tips for seniors that are graduating

I

f you are an upperclassman nervous about the uncertainties of post-high school life, safety is likely on your list of concerns. Whether you plan to be across the Bay, out-of-state, or abroad, staying in a new environment poses safety risks.

In order to mitigate these risks, here are some tips for post-high school life which can be applied anywhere from classes to internships.

Education Transportation

Many colleges have buses or shuttles that run through campus during the day.

Some schools, especially those in big metropolitan areas, provide discounts or free tickets for students on specific train lines or taxi services. For example, the University of Southern California offers free Lyft services for students.

Many universities offer campus escort services at night and some even run into the next morning. These services can be utilized through apps or websites which makes them extremely accessible.

Some schools also offer apps where you can ask for someone to track your location as you get to your destination safely.

The type of escort services may depend on the school so be sure to look at your school’s website to see their services and policies.

Map your Surroundings

Be sure to locate nearby police and fire departments in case of an emergency.

20 May 2023

Finding emergency systems, like the blue light system, and phones around campus can also be helpful, especially if you haven’t saved emergency numbers on speed dial. Look for any fire routes and escapes in the dorms, classes, or apartment buildings. If you do find yourself walking alone at night, be sure to know where you are going and avoid dark and unpopulated areas such as parks or alleyways.

Lock Up

Burglary is one of the main crimes on college campuses. Whether it be your bike or laptop, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your belongings.

Don’t leave any valuables in your car, especially if it is unlocked. Consider investing in a good bike lock and always be sure to lock the frame of your bike if possible.

Find Resources

If something does go wrong, know that there is someone to go to for help.

Check your college’s website to find emergency resources and which departments to contact for various issues. Look online for the numbers of local and campus police departments and fire services. Take advantage of student support groups when it comes to finding community and guidance from others who have, or are currently having, similar experiences.

Whether it be reporting a crime or simply finding support, campuses, surrounding cities, and towns have help for every situation.

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anthromagazine.org 21

Text by LUCIANNA PERALTA Art by MADELYN CASTRO

Students should reject social pressures to forge their own path

I

had thought for some time that I wouldn’t be attending my junior year Prom.

I had made up my mind a month before the event. Yet, that next month I was bombarded with the question: Are you going to prom?

I felt this question follow me every day of the week. I would look at the classroom walls surrounding me and see the imprint of Prom in the foundation of the school. I could hear the trailing buzz of students, like bees high on blissful nectar, arranging ambitious plans. The vapors of excitement wafted off of the large groups chatting away in the Quad. And later, I’d hear the words seep out of my best friend’s mouth. Even old acquaintances from middle school approached me.

Prom popped out of nowhere like a hidden foe waiting in the dark gray fog like those in old ninja movies from the 80s. Nowhere was safe. And I thought to myself: Am I strong enough to resist it?

My parents told me I’d only be able to experience Prom twice in my life. You

22 May 2023

would think with the way they said it that ing flash-mob prom-posals and finding prom was something bigger than a party out who got first place on instagram. for 17- and 18-year-olds, an event marked The pressure veils itself as exciteby destiny. ment. So catchy, so positive, is the exciteJust like spring break, when you’re ment. forced to wake up at 5 a.m. to pack up Prom dresses, which are simply and go somewhere with an abundance of pounds of tulle and more glitter than the mosquitoes, so too felt myself being un- environment can sustain, are idolized. willingly pulled into The average black Prom’s gravitation- If Prom were a cult it would tie outfit although al field. classy, becomes I was not doing be one of the leading reli- basic. And the bigthis dance, I repeatger the heels, the gions in the world ed to myself. more confidence Day by day, at the dance floor. my friends granted more social power to Before I knew it, I was actively buying Prom in exchange for many shallow con- a ticket online. Zoning out, I punched in versations on statement pieces, jewelry the numbers to my card. I grew more ecand coats. static by the second — I thought my smile “What color is your dress?” was a good sign, but that’s when I realized: “Will you get your hair done?”

I was staring right at Prom’s blinding, glit“Are you bringing a second pair of tery face. shoes?”

If prom were a cult it would be one of I felt myself cast in the shadow of the leading religions in the world.

Prom’s shiny white smile as upper grade My reasoning for going to prom had students cared only about choreograph- become simple and shallow. At the core, prom is a time to spend with the seniors and forgetting the start of AP tests on Monday. Transformed from an evening of lasting memories, it has become also become a social construct that enables harmful labeling to those who weren’t there.

The choice to be made depends on how much you have been peer pressured and how confident your opinion is to withstand it all. Prom truly overrides personal preference. Maintain your voice, and act on your comforts or discomforts.

You choose prom on your own accord, not the other way around.

And if you end up going and find yourself enjoying the evening, it was all because of you.

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CHECK (Make check out to “Palo Alto HS,” and put “Anthro Celebration ad” in the notes section. Send the following check to: Journalism Incubator c/o Paul Kandell Palo Alto HS 50 Embarcadero Road Palo Alto, CA 94043 Paly Media Arts Boosters is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization Tax ID# 46-2866404

anthromagazine.org 23

Text by LUCIANNA PERALTA Art by NOAH BOYARSKY

Crossing the yellow line

Urging civil safety at the Churchill bike crossing

M

y phone chimed as I walked trust. No one thinks, I’m going to ignore the into my first period class. crossing guard.

It was a message from my When I first found out about this neighbor. It read: button, I pressed it. The yellow blinking I got hit by a car. lights turned on. But still, this did nothMy first thought was that he was jok- ing to quell the morning traffic. The cars ing. He wasn’t. kept on whooshing by, ignoring the lights When I saw him later that day I asked as if disoriented. I haven’t pressed it since, if he was okay. Although he brushed it off not when I can save 10 extra seconds. and laughed shakily, his bike couldn’t lie.

Students tend to be reckless. SeemThe bend of the left pedal suggested that ingly without a care of the collective of he was not going both novice and exhome without strug- A stop sign is only taken perienced drivers gle. surrounding them.

I recall all the seriously when carried There’s less caution times I have crossed forward by a crossing when late to school, Churchill Avenue on but there should be my way to Palo Alto guard prior acknowledgeHigh School. Delibment that being erately avoiding the early can lead to train tracks to save time, I see the football harm. field in front of me from a mile away.

Undertaking new measures for Whether on foot or biking, I get civil safety especially for high schoolnervous when taking this route. It’s not ers is necessary at the start and end because I have to speed walk across the of the school day. The Fremont Police street or pedal faster as cars continue to describesthe duties of a crossing guard make their turns, but because I’m bracing to be attentive towards students and confor the ghost of an impact that I’ve felt in trolling traffic around them. The presmy mind so many times before. ence of a crossing guard lowers risk by...

On all four corners of the street Living close to a middle school althere’s a button you can press. Everytime, lows me to see the clear impact. Crossing you have to turn your head to see through guards make students confident. the green hedge of the house. I didn’t Groups tend to stick together, breakknow this existed until a few months ago. ing away from their conversations, for I really wish they would trim the plants. the briefest of moments, to say happy The color red is universal for stop. Monday’s to the ones in neon jackets.

Yellow is a passive color that if I could put Much like how students pass through into a single word, would mean ‘maybe’ Churchill daily, students also go through or ‘please’. A stop sign is only taken seri- the California Avenue underpass. The reously when carried forward by the cross- cent incident of an alleged sexual assault ing guard, because no one betrays this in the underpass reinforces this need for

24 May 2023

monitoring. And with the amount of extracurricular activities held at Palo Alto High School, a variety of students stay on campus until 9 p.m. So why hasn’t increased safety happened yet?

Traffic at Churchill should become controlled and slowed down for all students making their way to school every day. I should not have to doubt my decision on whether to bike to school or not.

Safety in adding crossing guards would be a benefit in the future.

A book about us

Text by MAYA MUKHERJEE

Author’s experiences at Paly make for a powerful and emotional story

J

okes about the Caltrain train run rampant at Palo Alto High School. It feels like every day I hear someone crack a witty remark about how stressed they are, and how a solution is just right on the edge of campus. Still, I believe every Paly student harbors a deeply rooted fear of the massive vehicles that zoom past our campus many times a day, because we’ve all imagined hearing the very worst news — that it has taken another life.

Author Joanna Ho perfectly captures this climate in her debut young adult novel “The Silence that Binds Us,” in which Maybelline Chen navigates life at a school similar to Paly after her brother’s suicide by train. The resemblance to our own school is no coincidence — Ho is a Paly graduate herself, and came back to campus to speak on May 24.

Ho, who works as an assistant principal at Eastside College

Preparatory School in East Palo Alto, has published several children’s books that include diverse representation, as Anthro covered in our Spring 2022 issue. Her books “Eyes that Kiss in the Corners” and “Eyes that Speak to the Stars” are New York Times bestsellers, and Ho has won awards such as Asian/Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature Honor. Through The Silence that Binds Us, Ho has branched out from children’s novels into young adult fiction, allowing her to broach heavier topics.

I read the novel after interviewing Ho last year and was amazed by the accuracy and complexity with which she wrote about mental health and racial issues. Maybelline, or May, and her older brother Danny have a close relationship before Danny dies by suicide right after being accepted into Princeton. May and her parents are left heartbroken and their relationship with each other crumbles as they each fall into their own coping methods.

May’s grief is encapsulated by quotes like “Without my anchor, I floated on an endless ocean under a starless sky. I bobbed up and down. Up and down. I drifted with no thought or direction. Darkness here was the same as darkness there. There was darkness everywhere.”

In these words, and throughout the book, I felt my own heart sinking as I imagined the pain felt by May and her family.

Alongside mental health, racism is a central theme in the novel. At a school event, parents of other students at the school claim that rampant stress

among students is the fault of Asian parents, and indirectly blame May’s parents for Danny’s suicide.

One parent says: “This [suicides] never used to be a problem before. It only started happening when Asian families moved in. We all know that last year, some Asian kid got into Princeton and then killed himself on the tracks. I mean, come on. What did his parents say to him? If Princeton isn’t good enough for these people, then what is?”

The main plot follows May banding together with her best friends to speak out against the racism spouted by parents and creating a community project in which many students tell their own stories.

The characters are forced to contemplate how much taking a stand means to them when May’s mother’s job is put at risk because of May’s activism and when some of their friends almost abandon the project when the school threatens consequences.

As the book goes on, May heals. She never stops mourning Danny, but she repairs the broken bonds with her parents and finds purpose again through her advocacy against the racism her Asian community was facing. Ho’s balance between discussing emotional and controversial topics while creating strong characters and plotlines was perfect.

This book is heart-wrenching, but I found the conclusion satisfying and hopeful. In every scene, even without specific references to Palo Alto, I envisioned the characters moving through the Paly campus, which made the book so much more close-to-home and moving.

anthromagazine.org 25

Text by KAT FARRELL

Photo by JEREMY DUKES

Wear your future day: helpful or harmful?

wearing your future day may increase gious universities.

Keeping the college ly,stigma for those attending less-selective It also serves as a way for students from schools. the same college who would otherwise gear tradition alive However, I argue that this Paly tradition not know each other to connect or create

A

group of Palo Alto High School students adorning Stanford sweatshirts lines up to face a group bearing Berkeley merchandise. The two groups hold their fists up in fighting stances to enact the intense rivalry between the two top schools. This occurrence marks the beginning of “Wear Your Future” day, a Palo Alto High School tradition that takes place annually on May 1, in which the senior class sports clothing that represents their future. Often this means sweatshirts from the school they were accepted to. For some, this tradition is a fun way to celebrate their achievements.

For others, it can create feelings of inadequacy.

This feeling of inadequacy is not surprising. According to a CBS news article titled ‘5 Silicon Valley zip codes among 10 priciest in the U.S.,’ Palo Alto is one of the sixth most expensive zip codes in the country. Because property taxes are higher, public schools can provide more resources.

Paly’s unique and costly extracurriculars attract parents who seek higher education for their children and are willing to pay more. This is one of the reasons high standards from parents are far from uncommon at Bay Area schools, such as Paly.

As a competitive school, there is a good amount of pressure among students to attend prestigious colleges. Sadly, this standard is not attainable for all. Subsequent-

26 May 2023

is an opportunity to overcome the fear of plans, possibly even roommate arrangejudgment or the urge to pass judgment and ments. instead come together to celebrate each After all the hard work the senior class student’s accomplishments. has put in for the past four years to carve Students who judge others by their out a space for themselves in the world future plans do not represent what Paly and find a path that works best for them as culture is or should be: a place where ev- individuals, they all deserve a day to show eryone feels the freedom off. to be themselves without They all deserve a This day is a great judgment. Uninformed occasion to defy Paly’s judgment is the mark of day to show off ingrained competitive ignorance, as there are spirit and instead lift many factors that play each other up and create into post-high school planning. Seniors, as a space where all can feel recognized and young adults, should know how to create a proud. safe space for people who may feel isolated Although the tradition offers the opfrom the majority. portunity to create unity, the day is what For those who feel their future is not you make of it. It’s important to remember the standard path among students, it’s a that no matter the selectivity of the college, chance to see and possibly strike up a con- Wear Your Future day should act as a way versation with students who are also taking for students to come together to celebrate less ‘traditional’ paths. Proudly represent- their accomplishments. ing non-four-year college plans or less-selective schools can aid in reducing shame by showing the reality, which is that not all have the funds nor want to attend presti-

Staying in place

Students coping with new realities

T

Text by Faizan Kashmiri Art by Lauren Wong

he first sign things had gone terribly wrong was when the names of the schools began to bleed together. Parkland, Uvalde, Sandy Hook, Sante Fe, Saugus High: all of them became ‘bad events’, the nuance and outpour of empathy weakened.

The second sign things had gone wrong was when a shelter-in-place had been declared across Palo Alto High School at 9:16am on April 25.

For a moment, my mind went awry.

I internally prayed that this wasn’t going to be the place I was struck down—not in first period geometry. Discussions of a shooter, a bomb threat, and, confusing-

ly enough, a bobcat, filled the room with comedy hosts now walk a careful balance feverous speculation. As quickly as my of tragedy and comedy, having to narrownerves had been set aflame, they calmed ly avoid causing a public outcry should into a worrying, all too familiar feeling. they take a step “too far.”

Apathy.

This leaves all of us in a particularly In a time of very tangible school precarious place: continue to be perpetshootings, threats have become increas- ually shocked by the violence, continue ingly empty. Many use humor to laugh it campaigning for a difference…or fall into off: people saying how the shooter must this state of acceptance in this new norhave overslept or placing bets on which mal. Most of us can only accept this now, students are the most likenot out of want, but out of ly to commit such an inexhaustion.

School shootings comprehensible act.

None of us want a reThese types of com- aren’t a novelty ality where violence has ments are as much a copbecome tolerable. But in ing mechanism as they are anymore avoiding this, as students, vulgar, insensitive, and we have to continue taking distasteful in the face of the leading role on this isa subject that involves the death of chil- sue. It’s a task most of us will never feel dren, teachers, and officers of law en- up to. But in the face of disaster, students forcement. must continue to struggle for our legislaSchool shootings aren’t a novelty tors to listen, and, until they do, continue anymore. Students across the country student lead action for comprehensive have grown up with them in the same way gun legislation. as any other known constant. Imagining It is more urgent than ever that our a world without school shootings feels government takes federal action against impossible when every time people de- gun violence in both our schools and in mand even the possibility of that, they’re wider society. As long as politicians conpromptly shut down in the face of mini- tinue to stall on this issue, so too shall we mal legislative action. see the ripples of this cultural acceptance Now, terrible events like school of violence be made very clear. People shootings have been well integrated into won’t stop making threats: it’s our job, as our culture. SNL parodied the national students, to mitigate how legitimate they walkout from schools following the mas- are in the first place and how we react to sacre of 17 people at Parkland. Late night them emotionally.

anthromagazine.org 27

Good luck.

Text by LARA DUMANLI

The contrast of gun violence between two countries

G

OOD LUCK. Those are the only two words my freshman year history teacher advised me when I told her that I was moving to America from Canada. It was my last day at school and in two weeks, I would be leaving my hometown of Oakville, Ontario and moving across the continent.

I, puzzled by her response, said thank you and moved on. It wasn’t until April 25 of this year, eight months after I had moved, when we went under shelter-in place at Palo Alto High School due to a school shooting threat when I fully understood the extent of that advice.

Even though I grew up in Canada, I wasn’t immune to hearing about the nightmares that are school shootings happening almost every week on American news. A string of texts flooding the family group chat every time, saying ‘Thank God we don’t live there,’ and ‘Isn’t this the third one this month?”

I never thought of myself as lucky for not experiencing a serious threat — yet here I am. I never thought that my history teacher was right for telling me good luck. That she wasn’t completely inaccurate since in 2022, there were 300 school shootings, the highest number of shootings in four decades.

Since moving, I’m always asked, “What shocks you the most about America?” and for one, it’s the fact that here, you used to practice active shooter drills while I used to practice active animal drills in Canada. My biggest concern in regards to safety at school was if squirrels

28 May 2023

Art by LAUREN WONG

were going to attack me during recess. luxury of packing their bags and walking I’m not joking. to their second period classes just like we In elementary school, I remember did. that my principal explained that the only Some news sites claim that there isn’t instance in which we would need to lock- an epidemic of gun violence in schools down was if a wild animal wandered onto but rather, an epidemic of fear. Even on campus. The idea that a human being Fox News, reporters like to highlight that would be the reason was so inconceivable the media exploitsing gun violence victhat it was never even discussed. At Paly, tims and creates a sense of panic which the first automatic justification for a lock- sets the wrong narrative. But according down by a majority to the Sandy Hook of students is that It’s clear that, no matter Promise, ever since there is an active Columbine, more human threat, not what, it’s an epidemic of than 338,000 stuan animal one. dents in the U.S. guns.

When I exhave experienced plained Canadian gun violence at lockdown procedures to my American school. friends, they were bewildered. “Not even My response: it doesn’t matter if it’s preparing you for the possibility of an ac- an epidemic of gun violence or gun fear: tive shooter?” they questioned. it’s clear that it’s an epidemic of guns.

And there lies the fundamental probWith the influx of school shootings, lem: the possibility. You prepare for an ac- a common response is that we should intive shooter because there is a possibility crease the accessibility of guns, possibly of one, a possibility that is backed up by the worst opinion yet. After Uvalde, some horrifying statistics and harrowing victim Texas politicians urged for teachers to be stories only in the United States. armed as they have an obligation to “proI’m privileged that it was only a tect.” threat, nothing else. However, accordAccording to the Texas Association ing to the Washington Post, the 43,450 of School Boards, “school districts can children who have experienced an active grant permission for anyone to carry shooter at their school in the past year firearms on campus” under Texas Penal are not privileged. They don’t have the Code 46.03. This new regulation doesn’t outline whether there should be proper training. But by increasing the number of guns currently on the market, it increases the likelihood that gun violence occurs.

I explained to my American friends that by not practicing a lockdown in response to a human threat, it wasn’t foolish but rather unnecessary. Why would we have human threat drills when there were only 11 school shootings in Canada’s history, compared to the 16 America has had 4 months into 2023.

The U.S. may be the “leader of the free world,” but it is also the leader of a world where students are afraid to attend school.

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Text by MINIRVA VILLEGAS Art by ARATI PERIYANNAN

Activism Around the World Shift in ruling, reform around the nation, and a fight for a voice

France: French President Emmanuel Macron put into law the pension reform on April 14, which raised the age of retirement by two years, meaning citizens won’t be able to receive their old-age pension until the age of 64. Prior to the signing, French citizens protested for weeks, but Macron pushed forward with the bill. In an article published by Human Rights Watch on May 4, the French government has allegedly started to use excessive force towards citizen protestors. These brutal police strategies have made it difficult for protests to remain peaceful. Slowly France’s citizens are losing their right to use their voices. Protesters have tried alternative approaches such as offering proposals to France’s Constitutional Council, but they have not been successful in the past.

Kenya: In the capital of Nairobi, protestors were tear-gassed by the Kenyan police on April 6 for planning demonstrations against the high cost of living and apparent fraud in the country’s 2022 election. A Reuters story explained that protests became violent and ultimately led to a church and mosque going up in flames. The leader of the protests, Raila Amolo Odinga, briefly stopped protesting but continued after realizing the government wasn’t willing to negotiate the issues at hand. On May 2, protesters were tear-gassed once more in the neighborhood of Nairobi Mathare. Stated to be unlawful demonstrations, police used tear gas as a means to keep the situation under control, but citizens persisted.

United Kingdom: In a Washington Post story ,“Not My King,” written on May 2, Karla Adam wrote that protests are now the norm at King Charles III’s events. In London, members of the public want to replace the monarchy with an elected democrat. Adam stated that one reason behind this opinion is due to Charles’ “tone-deaf gesture” in requesting citizens to pledge their allegiance to him and his new wife, Camilla Parker Bowles. Though this is a minority opinion, King Charles endures public backlash through things such as egg throwing while visiting places around the city. On Saturday, May 6, the day of Charles and Camilla’s coronation, protesters organized a rally of over 1,000 anti-monarchists to advocate and demand a change in administration.

Paraguay: Paraguayan supporters of Candidate Paraguayo Cubas stood outside the electoral office on May 2 in an effort to stop the voter fraud that occurred during the presidential election. Police arrived at the scene where protestors were shot with rubber bullets. The event quickly escalated into acts of violence such as the burning of tires and wrecking of billboards of current President Santiago Peña. The runner-up Efraín Alegre, also advocates for a recount of votes.

Thailand: 30-year-old activist Chonthicha Jangrewis is a candidate for the Move Forward Party in Thailand—which is the only major party offering a progressive left-leaning agenda. Her support in major protests have her facing 28 criminal charges with potential penalties which could land her dozens of years in prison. The Move Forward Party was renamed after their old party, the Future Forward Party which was dissolved by the Controversial Constitutional Court in 2020. According to ABC News, the Move Forward Party plans on reflecting the “legacy of anger” that their previous party left behind and have already begun by leaving their mark on a progressive agenda in the political mainstream.

30 May 2023

Text by LARA SU DUMANLI

Local Activism Roundup Bay Area Youth speak out

March & Rally for Climate Justice:

Led by two Bay Area students, Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition is a nonprofit organization that strives to contribute to a more eco-friendly environment and promote sustainability within the local community. At the annual March & Rally for Climate Justice, the club hopes that the Palo Alto City Council can actively reduce carbon emissions immediately and create an attainable goal for zero-plastic use in the atmosphere.

“Our main theory of PASCC is that local action drives tangible climate justice, which is why it’s so important the youth can see opportunities to create that change,” said Julia Zeitlin, co-founder of Palo Alto Student Climate.

Art by Sasha Kapadia

Postcards for Mukema Indigenous Tribe:

Organized by Paly’s Social Justice Pathway for their Mukema Awareness project, students have accumulated over 600 postcards in protest of justice for the Mukema tribe. The Mukema Ohlone, the indigenous tribe located in the Bay Area, is currently fighting to be restored as a federally recognized tribe. Gaining this would mean to finally identify themselves as a specific indigenous tribe on federal documents and empower them to have the right of self-determination. “These postcards allow Congress to give back to the Mukema what was taken away from them, the freedom to live their own life.” Siri Schaefer Bastian, co-organizer of this effort, said.

Art by Social Justice Pathaway students

Poetry for change:

Throughout her life, Lauren Lin has always been fascinated by the power of poetry. The Castilleja Junior said her passion for poetry can allow her to express a complexity of emotion in such a simple way. After a climate rally, Lauren spoke about how being oblivious to the effects of climate change leads to an overwhelming feeling of helplessness in today’s youth. “I loved performing at the rally, poetry really ignited some fire within me,” Lin said.

Art by Lara Su Dumanli

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1 May 2023